Upcoming History Conversations
First Saturday of the month
10:00 – 11:30 am
Hiram Morgan Hill House
Presentations are free, no reservation required
pastries and beverages served
Conversations will not be held in May, July, November and December
Join us monthly for a conversation with a notable contributor to our community and heritage. This is a monthly interactive series where you can participate in the conversation or just listen and learn. These events are free and no reservations are required. Check our website, sign up for our email list and/or follow us on Facebook for detailed program topics and speakers each month.
Events will resume as COVID guidelines and public safety permit.
Past Events

Saturday, February 1, 2020
Topic: “Our Living Traditions”
Presenter: Elena E. Robles
Elena E. Robles is a nationally-recognized Dance Anthropologist, an expert in Mexican culture and traditions, and a Native Californian. Her work in the performing arts has been featured in television, You Tube, documentaries and in magazines from around the world as well as recognized multiple times by the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council.
Join us for an enjoyable presentation about the many contributions of our rich Mexican, Chicano and Latino heritage. Meander through a timeline of events, cultural iconography, and visual examples of fine artisan crafts and hear of their origins. Sample food and make new friends.
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Topic: Evaluating your Collectibles and Antiques
Presenter: Steven Wayne Yvaska
Steve Yvaska has been associated with antiques and collectibles for many years, He has helped many people appraise their personal belongings and buy and sell items for the best price. He makes frequent appearances at antique and collectible shows throughout Northern California. He has also written for several Bay Area newspapers, including the popular Mercury News column "The Seasoned Collector." Are you wondering if that garage sale find is trash or treasure? The audience can bring one item for him to evaluate as part of the program.


Saturday, April 4, 2020
Topic: Santa Clara Valley Agriculture Past and Present
Presenter: Andy Mariani
Andy Mariani’s family has deep roots in Santa Clara Valley agriculture. His narrative will trace his family’s history from the time small family farms dotted the local landscape in Morgan Hill through its transformation into a bedroom community for the greater Silicon Valley. He will discuss the many problems now being faced by local farmers and strategies to overcome these challenges. Being educated in both horticultural science and local government, Andy has studied land use issues and will share his thoughts on concepts of land
ownership, stewardship, agricultural sustainability and preservation.